Yet another new mask...

Had another follow-up appointment at the DME. Wasn't thrilled with the doctor's lack of response, but thought I got some seriously good support and information from the technician. Got mask #4 now

Still keeping my ComfortCurve nearby - despite its flaws, I have had some success. But I tried the gamut of the brands they had, especially some of the ResMed devices, both mask and nasal pillows/cushions. Mirage Vista fit well and was very secure, but had troubles with it pulling on my nose and didn't like the feel of the headgear on my cheeks any more than the feel of the CC pads. Nasal Aire was still a no go (had tried it during my original CPAP titration) - just can't tolerate stuff up in my nares.

Eventually wound up with yet another Respironics mask. Now going with the ComfortLite. And, I have to say, I WAS impressed - none of the startup woes I had with the ComfortCurve. Dang thing was comfortable (really) right out of the gate - for once, it actually lived up to the name many have joked about being a bit of a lie - myself included.

I laid down in one of the testing rooms and was immediately comfortable in the mask using the tiny nasal mask rather than the nasal "seals" - still poking up your nares even if not as much as others. Took the tech just a few moments to adjust it, it stayed ON, it didn't pull on my nose (routes over the head, woohoo!). I could roll from side to back without it moving around, and there's very little actually on my face. No marks in the mornings, no seals irritating either my eyes or my upper lip, even prefer the exhaust distribution pattern - the air just sort of spreads out gently and you can't feel it more than a foot away. Husband says it's a tiny bit noisier but nothing that bothers him.

I do think, though, that the air feels warmer in it than it did with the CC, so I'm stepping back to humidifier only tonight and turning off the heat entirely, seeing if that helps. May even try it without the humidifier, just for giggles.

Success at last? Dunno, but this one didn't cost me anything - tech wrote it up as an even exchange and thinks the insurance company will take it. Woohoo!

Tina

Tina

Sounds like you are least getting good DME support and have found a mask that seems to work good for you. Thats probably 90% of the battle to adjust to the CPAP treatment. I was fortunate like you when I asked the DME to exchange my Breeze for a Ultra Mirage FF to see if I could cut down the mouth leaking. He did it on exchange and even let me keep the Breeze. Also gave me a chinstrap to try....that cut down mouth leaks and I've apparently "learned" to keep my big mouth closed most of the time. That gave me option to get an Activa which I REALLY like and can alternate with the Breeze which after several days use is a bit rough on my nostrils (but I like it).

What was it Rested Gal said...can never have too many masks

Jim

Tina,

Can you describe the head gear on your comfort lite a little bit? The photos of it online make the head gear look pretty stiff and heavy duty. Is it really that heavy, or do the photos just make it look that way.


Ron

Tina,

Is this what you got?




And it didn't leave any marks on your forehead from the strap?

The headgear really is far more comfortable than it looks. I don't notice it at all, and when I do, it just feels secure, not tight. I tried tightening it up one night and found it was less secure that way - my hair made it slide up when it was too tight, whereas when it's just a tiny bit loose, it stays in place just fine.

The 'frame' is quite flexible - just slightly hardened like a very bendy spatula rather than hard like a plastic bowl - and adjusts in several places so you can fit it around your noggin . It holds its sizing. If you look in the picture neversleeps posted, you can see a dot between where the top strap and rear strap meet... The top strap adjusts like a baseball cap - nubs into holes on both L and R - in case your head isn't symmetrical (mine's a bit off). The rear strap adjusts with a single velcro tab and can be positioned higher or lower on the head as needed to make it secure. I did notice some slight up and down movement until I started pulling my hair over the back strap and letting the underside of my hair hold it in place. Not sure if this would be better or worse for those who are bald or have short hair - my longer hair seems to make masks slide like crazy.

It's got a good 1/4" of padding inside the frame which compensates for the need for fine adjustments and doubles to help it breathe. It also makes it more pleasant to lay on than you'd think. I do not notice it when on my side. It doesn't change positions when I roll around (like the CC did) or add new pressure points. Oh, and no forehead marks at all from the forehead strap one week in, no perceivable increase in forehead bumps/acne/black or white heads either, and my skin is the first to do that when given the chance, trust me!

The adjuster on the forehead strap works pretty darned well even if it looks a bit like you're a new age coal miner! I was able to angle the thing so I could get a seal with no noticeable pressure points around my nose - it's got like ten settings for really fine adjustment. It also adjusts up and down so you can adapt to higher or lower noses. And the nasal mask is completely flexible - no plastic frame, no gel - which I think is a big factor in why I can move so much and keep my seal. Like many other masks, just put it on, turn on the CPAP, then pull the nasal mask out a tiny bit and it pops back on with a good seal.

The only mark I have is a tiny red spot on the bridge of my nose from the nasal mask itself. But it's just a mark - not even sure what is causing it, truthfully - because it's only the tiniest bit sore, not rubbed raw, and I don't notice it rubbing when the mask is on at night. It more or less completely fades by the time I've showered and dressed - makeup takes care of the rest with no problem.

I wish that the hose swivel on the back swiveled in two places rather than one so I could get the swivel out of my way a bit more, but I'm still surprised at how NOT in the way it is. When I saw it, I felt like it would be some huge nuisance - like the hose would be propping your head off the pillow or something. But it's really not. Maybe it could swivel more easily, that could help, but I really am nitpicking. It may be a tad problematic when I first settle in at night, but it's never woken me up yet. If you like to sleep with the top of your head mushed into pillows, you might find it offputting. You also may need to adjust where you're laying in the bed so you don't bang it on the headboard! That extra inch or so of height can make more difference than you think

The air does seem warmer in this mask than it did all my other masks. I've noticed that the up/down adjustment can change how cool/fresh the air feels - probably by getting your nares better aligned with the exhalation holes - but, beyond that, I just turned off the heater on the humidifier and that has resolved it. If you're particularly sensitive to heat, though, it might not be a good choice for you.

Not a mask I'd recommend for face-down sleepers because of how the hose connects and adjusts in the front. Uses standard hoses, which is great. Oh, and because of the frame, it does take a bit more space hanging off a hook, the headboard, or being popped into a travel bag.

All in all, it has worked really well for me, though. I've not yanked it off, thrown it, took it off too early or in my sleep, etc... so I am very pleased.

Tina

Glad to hear it's suiting you well so far, Tina! Your thorough, well written posts are always great to read.

Here are some more discussions about the pros/cons of the ComfortLite:

Jun 12, 2005 subject: LINKS to ComfortLite

Thanks for the great review Tina, you answered all my questions. It sounds like a mask worth trying.




Ron

Thanks for that great review Tina.
O.

Tina,

Thanks so much for your review of the comfort lite mask. I read it yesterday before going to select my first mask. I had been leaning toward the activa; everyone seems to recommend that mask. After reading your thread and looking at the literature for the comfort lite I decided to at least give it a look at the DME.

After comparing the two masks (and looking at many others), I selected the comfort lite. I like that it has a smaller nasal mask or you can choose to use the pillow if you prefer (included). The head gear is definitely easy to a adjust and I found it to be surprisingly comfortable. I really like that there are no straps around my ears and across my face!

I was able to sleep through my first night, which was completely unexpected after reading about how many people have difficulties getting used to sleeping connected to the hose. I had absolutely no leakage problems, the mask followed every move I made and the seal stayed intact.

I guess what I learned from all this is that everyone has to find what works for them. Just because you and I had a good experience with the comfort lite doesn't mean that everyone else will. It sounds like you just have to keep trying until you find one that does (I was just lucky enough to find my on the first try! )